Monday, October 25, 2010

Generally, I do not think Perry has done anything remarkable for Texas. He is a friend of big business, but that isn't enough. Bill White is no enemy of businesses. In fact, when he worked for Clinton, his job was basically to teach other countries capitalism. I also think Perry is less than stellar at representing our state to the world. When the national press mentions Perry, it is usually because he has said something outlandish to get media attention, like secession or not accepting federal funds (which he always ends up accepting). But I am not simply voting against Perry. If that were the case, I would not vote.

I am voting for Bill White. I am voting for him because three issues I care about that the governor can affect are better entrusted to White. First, Texas courts have been closed down to countless victims of compensable negligence (probably the worst state at this point) by the legislature and supreme and appellate courts filled with Perry appointees. Then when people who champion those rights get legislation through both houses, Perry vetoes it. Bill White would allow the processes in place correct imbalance in the system.

Second, our state has fallen FAR behind in education. Having two daughters in elementary school, this is an issue I care deeply about. Bill White has championed education even as a Mayor with little influence on the process. This is his primary campaign focus. And I believe he will be in a position to encourage education by supporting teachers, refocusing funding and working with the local districts to encourage better performance.

Finally, Bill White has integrity the position needs and values I agree with. Long before seeking any political office, Bill Whitewas (and still is) a Sunday School teacher. The values that should accompany a committed Christian are evident even in his official actions. When Katrina ravaged New Orleans, he rallied the people of Houston to help. And they did. That type of compassion is missing from our current governor's office. Perry is much quicker to ask for help than volunteer to give it.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Monday, September 20, 2010

Profsler wrote today - "We are who we are, wherever we find ourselves, and those longings live very deep inside of us, calling out our truest name."

It has struck a cord even as I am in the busy midst of preparing for trial tomorrow. Yesterday the fam made it to church for the first time in months. It was so good in so many little ways. I long to return to my truest self, to be called by my truest name. The longing is all there is for now. But it is more than not longing at all.

Please keep calling, louder and stronger, Lord. I will follow the sound of your voice.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

E and CG are in a new school this year. We didn't move. We decided that the public school we are districted to is a better option for them than the private school we were in. This has proven to be true already. I am amazed at how superior it is academically to the "best" private school in Beaumont. Additionally, they are exposed to a MUCH more realistic cross section of our city (although still pretty white). All in all, very pleased. And the girls are adjusting well.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Three weeks ago, one of the men I was as close to over the last 10 years as any passed away. He was my father-in-law's best friend. And we spent every holiday together, and many crawfish boils, pig roasts and even a goose hunt in Canada together. He was a good man and a good influence on my wife growing up, and to my daughters, even if he was a "right-wing nut job" (a term I used with the utmost affection with him). I miss him.

The thing I have noticed about death is that it makes you re-evaluate everything. Carreer, attitude, faith, where you live, how you spend your free time and your money. I guess the impact of these things that are only important during our time in this skin is magnified when we realize how limited that time is (that is not a good LARC sentence).

So I have been re-evaluating. And it seems a bit premature since I have only been where I am for a year. Maybe it is too soon to consider a next step. Maybe the next step is to further engage where I am. Maybe not. I honestly don't know and have gone back and forth on this a million times. And when it gets overwhelming and dreadful, I remember that all of these worries and even faith itself are temporary. And that gives me comfort, and a sense of urgency, which leads to dread. Nice, huh?

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

My cousin is a cadet at the Air Force Academy. She's also wicked smart. In spite of this, she recently asked me for advice on choosing a major. This question is really asking for career path advice, how to fulfill your calling. I gave her more than she probably wanted and decided it might be of use to others.

I was given great advice about every career I have dabbled in (ministry, radio and law). "If you can see yourself doing anything else, don't do this." I think that is a great way to look at life in general.

With that in mind, you don't have to be "pre-law" to be a lawyer. In fact, diversity is a VERY good thing to have as a lawyer these days. Most of the best lawyers I know weren't "pre-law."

If you are interested in all of those things (english, poli-sci/pre-law, civil engineering, or anything else), think about which of them you cannot learn on your own, or which one you NEED to have a formal education to pursue.

As far as English goes, the only thing you NEED that degree to pursue would be grad school in English, which you would only NEED to have to pursue a career in academia. If that is your certain goal, stick with that.

As for poli-sci degrees, I don't know the field that well, but my experience has been there is nothing (again, other than academia) that you can't learn from a couple of years of real world experience should you decide to go into politics in any capacity.

That leads to civil engineering. I really don't know exactly what that means, but it sounds technical. I know some civil engineers, obviously. It would seem something that you would have to have the formal training on your resume to get such a job. And while any of these degrees allows you to get into law school without a problem, there are a LOT of English and poli-sci majors applying, not as many civil engineer (or any engineer) majors applying.

Admissions folks want a diversity of degrees in each entering class. If you want to get into the most law schools, get AMAZING grades, have good intangibles (which being Air Force is a BIG one), and knock out the LSAT, which I think you could do.

If you were one of my girls I would REALLY encourage a science or business degree. I think there are fewer of them, and they are very diverse. You can also launch from those degrees into the arts with far less difficulty than going from the arts into the sciences or a business field. Further, EVERY field/industry has a place for business people and most have a place for science "geeks." Most of all, those degrees teach you a critical thinking that is more and more rare in our world.

FINALLY – What is your school known for? Which of their programs work well nationally? Which school’s graduates obtain success in their fields? Those degrees will give you the maximum “value” for your education. The best program will have the best network of well-placed people who will be able to help you get where you want to be.

It should be noted that all of this is coming from a radio/TV/film major, theater minor who may or may not have done it differently had someone given me the preceeding advice.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Wow. Okay. I know all five of y'all have been yearning for my musings. I apologize. In the last three months, I have had/won my first trial, seen my youngest turn 6, gotten a great recovery for my client in my first mediation (on my 34th birthday) watched the NBA All-Star game and Monster Jam from an owner's suite at Cowboys Stadium, officiated my uncle's funeral (another first), and had a ton of amusing thoughts. My lack of posts hasnt' been due to a lack of ideas or topics to wax poetic about. Problem is, you guys aren't a top priority. My evenings are spent trying to squeeze as much out of my 2-3 hours a day I have with the girls. Then I crash. Oh, and there is this.Talk about burying the lead.